Juan Diego vs. Frederick Douglass

Today, Lent Madnessoffers us a tough choice between Juan Diego and Frederick Douglass. Their respective stories and legacies are compelling yet only one will advance to the Elate Eight. To paraphrase a best-selling book: Eat, Pray, Vote. Unless you’ve already eaten. In which case, just pray and vote.

Yesterday, in a hotly contested battle, Molly Brant edged out Cuthbert 51% to 49% and will advance to face the winner of Bernard Mizecki vs. Jackson Kemper.

Oh, and don’t forget to watch yet another exciting episode of Monday Madness. Tim and Scott mention a few folks (at least by town) who have been cast into the outer darkness for voting too many times from a single location and they reveal just who writes all the Monday Madness scripts (HINT: It’s not Jimmy Fallon’s talented stable of writers).

Juan Diego

Juan Diego, raised according to the Aztec pagan religion, showed an unusual and mystical sense of life even prior to hearing the Gospel from missionaries. It is said that before the famous apparition of the Virgin Mary, Juan Diego was a virtuous man who led such an exemplary life that people often asked him to intercede for them in prayer.

On December 9, 1531, Juan Diego experienced that apparition in which he asked the Virgin her name. She responded in his native language of Nahuatl, “Tlecuatlecupe,” which means “the one who crushes the head of the serpent” (side note: the serpent was a very important symbol in Aztec religion! Coincidence?!?) “Tlecuatlecupe” when correctly pronounced, sounds very similar to “Guadalupe.”

Thus, the Americas would have a new symbol of hope in La Virgen de Guadalupe.

Having carried out La Virgencita’s message (another popular name used for the Virgin of Guadalupe), Juan Diego lived out his life in a hut next to the church built in her honor. There he spent his days in prayer, extending hospitality to pilgrims visiting La Virgencita.

It is very possible that Juan Diego never fully understood the impact that his willingness to be a messenger had for his people. Because of Juan Diego, the Indigenous people of Mexico heard the clear message that they too were beloved children of God. The choice of a simple indigenous man as a messenger for the Virgin of Guadalupe meant that all people were important. Juan Diego’s witness to the appearance of La Virgen changed the face of the Church, opening the doors to all people regardless of nationality or social standing.

In his canonization homily, Pope John Paul II said, “In accepting the Christian message without forgoing his indigenous identity, Juan Diego discovered the profound truth of the new humanity, in which all are called to be children of God. Thus he facilitated the fruit meeting of two worlds and became the catalyst for the new Mexican identity, closely united to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose mestizo face expresses her spiritual motherhood which embraces all Mexicans.”

La Virgen de Guadalupe, is a powerful symbol that reminds the poorest of the poor, that they are loved and important in the eyes of God. This was an important message in a time when the conquistadores had convinced everyone that the Indigenous in the Americas were less than human.

How marvelous that Juan Diego a “nobody” in the eyes of the Aztec Empire and in the eyes of the conquistadores would be chosen to carry out such an important message and serve as a role model to all Christians!

NOTE: Juan Diego’s tilma with the imprinted image of La Virgen hangs in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. According to a study by Virgilio Elizondo, professor of Pastoral and Hispanic Theology at the University of Notre Dame, there have been many reports suggesting that the tilma is fake, possibly brought from Europe. Elizondo argues that if the tilma had been manufactured in Europe it would had not have lasted as long as it has. The tilma seems to be made from woven hemp, from a plant that is native to Mexico, explaining the tilma’s remarkable state of preservation.

Throughout Frederick Douglass’ life, literature and Holy Scripture remained an ever-present force. After his escape from slavery, Douglass, who was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, renamed himself after a character in Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake. His sense of mission was inspired by the prophetic words of Old Testament Scripture.

Regarding the Civil War, Douglass wrote, “Civil war was not a mere strife for territory and dominion, but a contest of civilization against barbarism.” After the Civil War, Douglass brought attention to the rise of lynchings in the Deep South and the ongoing racism that prevented the economic and social advancement of African Americans. He was also an outspoken advocate for female suffrage. Hours before his death Douglass stood alongside suffragist Susan B. Anthony and Methodist minister and physician Anna Howard Shaw as they rallied for women’s voting rights. Regarding the matter, Douglass once wrote in his newspaper The North Star, “Right is of no Sex — Truth is of no Color. God is the Father of us all, and we are all Brethren.”

Although Douglass spent much of his time traveling and giving speeches, he and his family called Washington D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood home. It was there that he purchased 15 acres of land and built his 20-room home, which he called Cedar Hill. Although Douglass’ home offered a clear view of the U.S. Capitol building, he often retreated to a cabin behind his house, which he named “The Growlery.” There, Douglass, read, wrote, and “growled” when the mood called for it. Charles Dickens’ novel, The Bleak House, served as Douglass’ inspiration for his Growlery. Douglass’ dog, a mastiff, often kept him company when Douglass took to his cabin. Douglass also took great pleasure exercising with barbells.

Douglass’ eventual financial and relative vocational success was a far cry from his birth in the confines of slavery and reflects his dogged determination, his belief in the dignity of humankind — which he noted was rooted in his study of Holy Scripture — and his unwillingness to let evil win. That said, Douglass was not content to rest on his successes knowing that many African Americans with equal determination and faith faced unyielding resistance and violence. And in the face of strident criticism and danger, Douglass remained resolute: “I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”

On June 19, 2013, a seven-foot statue of Douglass was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol building. The date of the statue’s dedication, known as Juneteenth, commemorates the arrival of the Emancipation Proclamation to the people of Texas.

Got to go with Frederick Douglass, whose love of literature and Scripture resonates with me. To learn new ideas from careful study and to write, preach, and teach about them is my passion, too. I wish I had a “Growlery,” though. That’d be cool.

Juan Diego for me today–he was one of those saints who helped us remember that the Gospel is not a Western construct, and that the Good News is only strengthened by its inculturation wherever it lands.

While the story of Juan Diego is very intriguing and I would love to see the Tilma, I have to vote for Douglas. He was brave, steadfast and stuck to the truth of God. We are all brothers and sisters, children of God.

wow, all these comments are my thoughts exactly!! Love both these folks today.
Will think about this all day until voting has to be done! Double dipping sounds like a very good idea (I’m tempted too!). Blessings to all.

I’ve traveled extensively throughout Latin America for decades. For all of its troubles, much of the entire region is alive in Christ and full of people more serious about their faith than are here in my own state in the U.S.. It would be a very different place for many nations if not for this one saint. Thank you, Juan Diego.

Marjorie, I hope you meant to say “fans of women’s basketball”, as we come in both genders. Go, LADY CARDINAL (no “s” for Stanford!!) If only ESPN felt the same way, amd covered the two versions in an informed way.

“Right is of no Sex — Truth is of no Color. God is the Father of us all, and we are all Brethren.” We are still struggling to live out the truth in Douglass’s words. For his learning and commitment, and for his companion dog, I vote for Douglass today, whilst honouring the wonderful contribution of Juan Diego. There are no easy rounds….

FD “renamed himself after a character in Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake. ” Okay, he’s got my vote today 🙂 It’s madness, but a connection to Sir Walter is a connection to Edinburgh, my favorite city!

I was named after my father, named after his father, named after his father named after Quentin Durward, another Walter Scott character. Today, I learned I have a connection Frederick Douglas. Pretty cool.

That Juan Diego was Aztec first, Catholic second, and so blessed by his vision that he has been sainted and will always be “on the map” in the Americas persuaded me. His humbly received gift multiplies its holiness each year among millions of the faithful. Even an Episcopalian like me is moved by his story.

Frederick Douglass is up against Sojourner Truth in our parish’s Heroes of Black History Month competition! We started with only 8 contestants, and have included biographies and photos in an insert in the Sunday bulletins.

While I admire both men and it was a tough one today with Douglass quote “Right if of no Sex – Truth is of no Color. God is the Father of us all, and we are all Brethren.”, I was moved to vote for Juan Diego. There was just something about someone raised in the Aztec tradition not just becoming a Christian but becoming such an advocate for Christianity.

I find it interesting that so many are voting for a former slave today while yesterday a woman who owned slaves yet never freed them won…how odd! Although I acknowledge the immense contribution to society by Frederick Douglass, especially to our African American sisters and brothers, today my vote goes to Juan Diego. Humility always gets my vote and the fact that Juan Diego chose to live in a hut beside the basilica touched me. FD had every right to build his 20 room home with a view of the capitol, but Juan Diego seems more “saintly” to me.

The thought occurs to me–What if Frederick Douglass were alive today? Would we be more committed to the cause of justice in our own communities here and now? And what if Juan Diego was with us still? Would the lives of Latin Americans be of more value? As interesting and entertaining as all these stories are, the real question seems to be whether or not they inspire us to be brave when God asks us to be brave and humble when God needs us to be humble.

Last Saturday the Met opera was the Lady of the Lake, (see FD’s bio) lead tenor was Juan Diego Flores a strange coincidence and complicates a vote between two excellent candidates. I will have to ponder this.

Seems like these two are quite similar in that both make strong and undeniable statements of the love and message of God is for all, regardless of race, color, nationality, or economic status. So I guess it is Frederick Douglass for me mostly because he rose to such status after such a humble beginning, and maintained an humble spirit despite the status he achieved.

So tough. But I’m for Juan Diego today, even though I’m in DC. Douglass was heroic and his fight is still going on, but Juan Diego’s people faced actual genocide. His witness helped bring God to an entire continent.

As a member of the Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of New York, I have no choice but to vote for Douglass. Juan Diego is a powerful symbol for the people of Mexico, but I vote for Douglass unapologetically.

Two great heroes, so there isn’t a wrong vote. Those who growl over the despair of their people are often not recognized, so I greatly admire Mr. Douglass. However, being in Texas and seeing the impact of the Lady of Guadalupe, Mr. Diego obtained my vote. Juan to the Final Four!

I was at the Basilica in Mexico City last December for the celebration of the fiesta de la Virgen. People walked for days carrying her picture on their backs. Families camped overnight in the square, lit candles, walked on their knees into the church. Juan Diego’s experience continues to impact the Mexico of today. “La Morenita”, celebrated for her brown skin, continues to hold her people’s hopes, aspirations, and sorrows. Much as I love FD too, I have to vote for Juan Diego.

Yes, we all need a Growlery. I think that Frederick Douglass believed that we are all brethren, but he was also a politician. Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought for abolition and women’s rights. He fought with them for both causes until 1867 when he broke with them over the fight for the Fifteenth Amendment, the post-Civil War voting rights amendment. The women argued that that was the moment to push for explicit protection of voting rights for women and people of color. Douglass chose a narrower path, supporting only voting rights for people (men) of color. The women felt, justifiably, betrayed. That rift never really healed. Juan Diego opened the door to catholicisms to indigenous people throughout Latin America. It is not happenstance, by the way, that there are more Virgins from the Americas than anywhere else in the Catholic world. Most pre-Colombian religions were polytheistic and incorporated deities in male and female pairs. The Virgins became vehicles through which indigenous Americans could incorporate ideas of pre-Colombian female deities in a Catholic construct. There were so many Juan Diegos in Latin America, many of them women. For all of them and for all of the Virgins (Que me cuides, Virgincita del Valle!), Juan Diego.

From http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/TWR-16.html :
Frederick Douglas (noted African American Abolitionist): Report of American Equal Rights Association Meeting, May 14, 1868. “I champion the right of the negro to vote. It is with us a matter of life and death, and therefore can not be postponed. I have always championed women’s right to vote; but it will be seen that the present claim for the negro is one of the most urgent necessity. The assertion of the right of women to vote meets nothing but ridicule; there is no deep seated malignity in the hearts of the people against her; but name the right of the negro to vote, all hell is turned loose and the Ku-Klux and Regulators hunt and slay the unoffending black man. The government of this country loves women. They are the sisters, mothers, wives and daughters of our rulers; but the negro is loathed….The negro needs suffrage to protect his life and property, and to answer him respect and education. He needs it for the safety of reconstruction and the salvation of the Union; for is own elevation from the position of a drudge to that of an influential member of society.”

Also from http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/TWR-16.html :
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in The Revolution, February, 1869. “We say not another man, black or white, until woman is inside the citadel. What reason have we to suppose the African would be more just and generous than the Saxon has been?…how insulting to put every shade and type of manhood above our heads, to make laws for educated refined, wealthy women….The old anti slavery school says women must stand back and wait until the negroes shall be recognized. But we say, if you will not give the whole loaf of suffrage to the entire people, give it to the most intelligent first. If intelligence, justice, and morality are to have precedence in the government, let the question of the woman be brought up first and that of the negro last….There is not the woman born who desires to eat the bread of dependence, no matter whether it be from the hand of father, husband, or brother; or any one who does so eat her bread places herself in the power of the person from whom she take it.”

Thank you Kim. This makes it so clear what the stakes were for everyone and eloquence and power women and men brought to the debate.
In Australia our Aboriginal people were not granted citizenship until a national referendum in 1967! Before that they were part of “Fauna and Flora”. There are still Aborigines alive who were denied passports. The struggle is worth it.

Now I’m seeing the result of having voted for all but one of the winners in the first round: I’m forced to choose between my darlings. I came close to abstaining but decided in favor of Douglass because he was both an abolitionist and a feminist.

This one was hard. I can see either of them as winner. Juan Diego for his part in convincing the powers that be and the powers that be not that God is God of all. Frederick Douglass for his work to show the worth of all people before God and humankind. I voted for Douglass simply because I could only vote for one, and I have admired him for years.

Anybody else curious about what a “tilma” is? From the good folks who update Wikipedia: A tilmàtli (or tilma) was a type of outer garment worn by men, documented from the late Postclassic and early Colonial eras among the Aztec and other peoples of central Mexico.

Tilma and Growleries! It’s a tough choice! As a Rochesterian, I’m leaning towards Frederick Douglass . . . lots of ties to him here including a (relatively) new bridge named for him and Susan B. Anthony.

Carol, I’m in the same pickle! I voted for all but two of the winners in the first round, and now they’re battling each other!
However, committed as I am to the position that sainthood is not limited to those already wearing halos, I vote for Douglass! And, all y’all, please take note: “Douglass” is spelled with 2 s’s. Just sayin’…

Unfortunately for us ordianry voters, the SEC has indeed done skillful work in creating an exciting contest with agonizing choices. Juan Diego, indigenous convert, mystic, Francis-like humility speaking truth to power: what’s not to love! Frederick Douglas, slave to statesman, theologian, a courageous speaker of truth: what’s not to love! In the end the person whose native faith and culture had been stripped away from his people, who was not even a full human being according to the laws at the time he was born, who became an exemplary human being, who was able to say of oppressed and oppressor alike,”God is the Father of us all, and we are all Brethren.” That humble witness to the power of Christ takes my breath away. Juan Diego is amazing, but the whole Perpetual Virgin worship that seems to be the catalyst of his witness was far less inspiring.
They both walked the walk, but I think Frederick Douglas did more to talk the talk.

tough choice, as it should be. Douglas, however, gets plenty of exposure while Diego is not as well known. The emphasis on poverty and the proclamation of the Gospel to indigenous people is obedience to the commandment of Jesus.

Douglas was a formidable character and I do not doubt his faith although his politics were certainly true to his times. When the chips are down – men are in charge.) Juan Diego was a quiet torch for Christ – bringing thousands to the Lord and giving the indigenous peoples of Latin America the courage to be truly the children of God. I vote for Juan Diego in his hut.

Another tough choice. Both spread the message that God’s love and the worth of human beings is universal. I love Mexico City, and I have visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and seen devout people walking on their knees to the church. It’s an inspiring sight. My vote goes to Douglass because of his comment about the real significance of the Civil War, his retreat “the Growlery,” and his statement about not suffering his “own abhorrence” for not being true to himself.

I think this has been the hardest yet. Juan Diego is such an important figure to indigenous peoples – really, to all who have no “standing” in the world. This sentence alone would be enough to win my vote: “Juan Diego’s witness to the appearance of La Virgen changed the face of the Church, opening the doors to all people regardless of nationality or social standing.” What better legacy could he have? Add to that his example of prayer and hospitality and it’s hard to not vote for him.

So, having made my case for Juan Diego, I instead cast my vote for Frederick Douglass. His work for the rights of all people, including women, can never be forgotten. When I think of the multitudes born into slavery whose names are lost to the ages, I am in awe of this man whose very name represents the struggle against slavery. Douglass was not only a man of great faith, he is also a hero for all time.

And now, because you made me choose between these two great and faithful men, I must retire to my own growlery!

When it mattered, he did not support the rights of women. When the 15th Amendment (regarding voting rights) was being debated, Douglass abandoned the women and supported voting rights only for men (of color). Does not in any way denigrate his efforts on behalf of slaves and men of color, which were brave and of monumental significance ~ it does, though, counter any assumption that he worked for the rights of all people.

Today, just for today, I must choose. On all other days, I can honor and be inspired by both these remarkable men who saw a glimpse of the way God sees us all as expressions of Godself. For today I will go with Juan Diego. This is in honor of people I have encountered in Nicaragua. For Jubilee House Community who empowers women and men to create Organic, fair trade growing, spinning, and someday weaving cooperatives in cotton, coffee and in millions of sesame seeds; who listens to their needs and finds a way to offer health care. And for Jenny Atlee and the Friendship office of the Americas. Her book, “The Red Thread” tell an excruciating story of US involvement in the Contra wars that destroyed the lives of indigenous people in Honduras. She now works with accompaniment projects to support the work of justice and peace organizations in Honduras. And, sadly, nothing much has changed in Honduras. She says that the US support for militarization of corrupt police is only increasing, that the native population are having their farmland taken away so that multi-national corporations can grow monoculture crops in tropical fruit and palm oil. This so that I can have frozen mangoes in plastic bags out of season. And I never have to think of where they came from or who suffered to make my life comfortable. May I be moved by a vision of Our Lady with the face of peoples everywhere to let go of my privilege that takes away their meager existence.

Thank you for this, Susan. As usual, your writing moves me. I well remember how much that trip meant to you and I thank you for sharing your awareness and compassion for people in Central America. Though I voted for Frederick Douglass, I honor Juan Diego and the peoples with whom I now live!

Writing from Jubilee House Community — thanks for the kind words! I voted for Douglass because I have always admired his pro-justice work and because I find the adoration of the Virgen de Guadalupe teeteringly close to idolatry for me. But I agree with many of the comments here that both Douglass and Juan Diego are inspiring men from whose faith and lives we can learn so much.

Reviewing their bios here, I was disappointed to see Mr Douglas’ credentials for sainthood included his dog’s breed and his favorite form of exercise. FD would definitely get my vote for the saint I’d most like to have dinner with, but I have to go with Juan Diego for the golden halo.

In deciding how to vote I sometimes read the bios and the comments and then just go about my day for a while. Some aspect of something I read keeps popping up in my thoughts and that guides my vote. So it will be today.

Juan Diego and I will always be good friends, as I’ve known him all my life. However, today I’m voting for Frederick Douglass, in large part because of this description: “That said, Douglass was not content to rest on his successes knowing that many African Americans with equal determination and faith faced unyielding resistance and violence. ” Such a good example for the US today, when many African Americans of determination and faith find themselves trapped, and blamed for their barriers.

He did, but he pulled his punches. I think that Frederick Douglass believed that we are all brethren, but he was also a politician. Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought for abolition and women’s rights. He fought with them for both causes until 1867 when he broke with them over the fight for the Fifteenth Amendment, the post-Civil War voting rights amendment. The women argued that that was the moment to push for explicit protection of voting rights for women and people of color. Douglass chose a narrower path, supporting only voting rights for people (men) of color. The women felt, justifiably, betrayed. That rift never really healed.

Thank you, Kim, for the distinction. It does not affect my vote, which was already for Juan Diego, but it’s important to look at the nuances. Appreciate you highlighting the point at which Douglass ended his support for all people.

While I don’t discount Juan Diego’s faithfulness, I know a lot more of Frederick Douglass through my research for an article on the Dred Scott decision. Alas, I tried to get that article published during the 150th anniversary year of the decision (2007), but the editors, even though they loved my article, all had already published articles on Dred Scott! Unfortunately, I was never able to get it published. Frederick Douglass believed that the Dred Scott decision, while denying African-Americans freedom and justice, would stir people to strive for that freedom — black and white! He therefore called it a “beacon of light”! We still need that beacon of light today! Therefore, I voted for Frederick Douglass!

A difficult choice. I went with Juan Diego because I think he represents a broader community: The Children of God. Mr. Douglas is vitally important to the American experience which can certainly be generalized to all oppressed persons. However, Juan Diego’s message is to me even deeper: Whether oppressed or free, we are all first God’s own.

Just plain couldn’t choose today. Two ordinary men who became extraordinary. Though their areas of concern were slightly different, they both ministered to those of lesser standing in their parts of the world, bringing God’s love in different ways.
Glad each already has his Golden Halo!

Dear God — and the rest of you — this was soooooo hard. Frederick Douglass has been one of my heroes for more than half a century — since I read about him in a summer library program in Ottawa, Il. He has colored my life and my writing. But now I live in CA and Our Lady of Guadalupe is all around me and precious to many, including me. I went for Mr. Douglass, but part of my heart feels reeeaaalllly torn up. I would tell my gardening guru Juan Diego how sorry I am, if I could muster up the Spanish.

I voted for Fredrick for two reasons:
1] so he can have a chance to defeat Molly later
&
2] because he was smart enough to realize that the opposition to the 15th Amendment would only increase if women’s suffrage was included and then neither group would be able to vote. And as someone who has actually been to Selma, Ala. (home of the National Voting Rights Museum) & a past unit co-leader in the LWV, I would point out that it took about a century to fully enact the 15th! (And contrary to what some of the members of SCOTUS think we still need the Voting Rights Act of 1965.)

Voting trivia: Oregon, the birthplace of voter petition initiated ballot measures & vote-by-mail ballots, has become the first state where those citizens 18 & older who have DMV-issued driver’s licenses/IDs will have to opt out of being registered to vote. (If you think not registering to vote will keep your name out of the jury pool it won’t since most states get the names of citizens 18 & older from the DMV for use in issuing jury duty summons.)

Anyone who is interested in just how much Douglass “loved women”, might want to read “Douglass’ Women” by Jewell Parker Rhodes . . . a novel, but based on historical research . . . about his wife (who was free black woman who bought his freedom with her hard work) and his rich mistress (who was white). . . .
Just sayin’ . . . an admirable man in some ways, but no saint.

If sainthood is restricted to people who never sinned, never erred, never gave in to their baser instincts or the cravings of the flesh, then I think we’ll have to throw all of them out. AFAIK there was only One who never sinned.

A simple, humble, illiterate man like Juan Diego would leave no writings or quotes that we could analyse, or could be found on the Web or Wikipedia. From the other comments, we also seem to be stuck on our own view of the United States as “America” and ignore the rest of America. Juan Diego’s response to the “Lady” has had huge effect on millions of people through the centuries in the rest of America and here as well. For the advancement of the Gospel on a continental scale and the saving of indigenous people from genocide by the conquistadors, I vote for Juan Diego.

I was hard pressed to decide and re-read the bios. Then, this being the round for quirks and quotes, I chose the quirky rose-filled tilma and the faithful gentleman who faithfully carried its message to the world.

Juan Diego never existed. The Franciscans, who had custody of the shrine when it first opened, knew the painting was done by an Aztec Christian artist names Marcos Cipac de Aquino and said so. The then Dominican Archbishop of Mexico, who supported devotion to the painting, removed the Franciscans from custody of the shrine and replaced them with more pliable members of his own order. Juan Diego is a pious fraud concocted by Dominican missionaries to further their evangelistic efforts. Frederick Douglas, on the other hand, actually existed and accomplished great good in his lifetime work of liberating slaves and uplifting newly freed people. Reality over pious fraud any day.

“Fraud” is a little harsh, don’t you think? Juan Diego may or may not have existed ~ that’s not relevant to LM. What you state as fact is not necessarily so, not about the painting to which you refer nor to Juan Diego ~ it may or may not be factually true. It is one story and even if factually true may not be Truth. I respect your vote for Douglass, but you don’t have to denigrate a pious man, or a pious myth, or an image that has moved millions of faithful people simply to justify your vote.

Donald, I think you might want to do a little more research, before you make such statements. While I am a Lutheran, I have several degrees from Catholic schools, so I have had a chance to learn a thing or two about Roman Catholicism. First, before canonization, a “Saint” goes through a rigorous review, and there is a beatification BEFORE canonization. During all the period there are people who research the proposed “Saint.” Juan Diego has been through that rigorous review! Second, certain things are known about Juan Diego that are not the kind of thing that would be made up. Dates of birth and death and his original Aztec name, etc. You might want to do some more reading on the subject, such as the Encyclopaedia Britannica article on Juan Diego http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/162607/Saint-Juan-Diego

Again the Encyclopaedia Britannica has a very rigorous staff of writers and editors, they do not just publish any old article, it has been thoroughly researched beforehand! While I voted for Frederick Douglass, I think you are very wrong in saying that Juan Diego was not real and was fraudulent!

While I do not think the AME Church has sainted anyone, Frederick Douglass got my vote today as an Elate 8 saint. I think the story about Juan and his life is amazing and he is truly a virtuous saint who was obviously selected by the Virgin Mary for his incredible piety. But, Douglass endured so much cruelty and pain, yet then stood bravely for so many once free in a time of our nation’s history where it took great faith and bravery to do so. Go Saint Frederick Douglass! I see him in the Faithful 4 as well.

With no Celtics or musicians, I agree with everyone that this is one of toughest choices so far, between two equally impressive warriors for Christ. With all Douglass has going for him (which is a lot), I went with Diego, an indigenous convert from paganism who witnessed Christ’s love to his people. (“Tlecuatlecupe” doesn’t sound very similar to “Guadalupe” to me, but then I don’t know how to pronounce Nahuatl.)

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